Most universities are now moving to online and distance learning systems to meet the needs of different types of learners [1]. Indeed, 'e-learning' is already being used by a number of universities [2], which offer online courses and degree programs. The online and distance learning systems can be used either to replace face-to-face learning or to assist students with face-to-face learning. Numerous different learning styles have been identified, which take into account individual differences in the way people learn. The learning styles theory implies that how much individuals learn has more to do with whether the educational experience is geared toward their particular style of learning than whether or not they are "intelligent". Individuals perceive and process information in very different ways, therefore, there is a necessity for a learning system to take into account as many details as possible in terms of the learning styles of the users [3].......

"This book contributes to this search for better teaching methods by exploring the technical, social, cultural, organizational, human, cognitive, and commercial impact of technology in education"--Provided by publisher.

"A range of investigative, problem-solving articles pertaining to current developments in educational systems, this collection draws from faculty experiences gained while implementing and utilizing a combination of telecommunications and web-enabled technologies. Addressing trends and issues, and exploring the opportunities and problems confronting colleges and universities related to this relatively new practice, the articles present numerous academic perspectives and provide concepts for effectively utilizing and managing web-based education in a teaching environment. Proving recognizable competition to traditional university education, many public and private colleges and universities are facing the challenges and opportunities offered by this new technology-based concept. Discussing the successes and failures of the early adopters and including issues relating to peer-to-peer networks, e-course management, and MIS needs, this book attempts to move from questions concerning ""what"" to issues relating to ""how."""

This book aims to provide important information about adaptivity in computer-based and/or web-based educational systems. In order to make the student modeling process clear, a literature review concerning student modeling techniques and approaches during the past decade is presented in a special chapter. A novel student modeling approach including fuzzy logic techniques is presented. Fuzzy logic is used to automatically model the learning or forgetting process of a student. The presented novel student model is responsible for tracking cognitive state transitions of learners with respect to their progress or non-progress. It maximizes the effectiveness of learning and contributes, significantly, to the adaptation of the learning process to the learning pace of each individual learner. Therefore the book provides important information to researchers, educators and software developers of computer-based educational software ranging from e-learning and mobile learning systems to educational games including stand alone educational applications and intelligent tutoring systems.

The proliferation of technology has affected all aspects of human life, yet the continuing possibilities of their effects on education have yet to be fully explored. When viewed separately, one may believe that only paltry solutions can be wrought from online and web-based education; however, when applied and studied in a dynamic, interactive sense, these advancements may alter the very notion of learning and education. Revolutionizing Education through Web-Based Instruction is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary exploration of the emerging digital opportunities available to educators. This book presents contemporary theoretical frameworks as well as practical research findings that support the use of these new computer-assisted teaching techniques. The myriad of research-based topics featured in this book allow for a thorough, diverse discussion about education, technology, and the intersection therein. This title is an invaluable resource for instructors, students of education, and researchers and professionals in the fields of knowledge management.

A cutting edge collection of 59 essays solicited from Web-based instructors offering a variety of perspectives, notions, and experiences in the practice of virtual teaching. The compendium introduces the evolution and status of distance learning, critical issues in Web-based learning environments such as the similarities and differences between Web-based and traditional classrooms, specific discussions on designing learning activities and electronic textbooks, an evaluation of delivery systems for instruction, and case studies of Web-based courses from kindergarten and beyond to the instruction of literature, astronomy, and foreign languages. Includes illustrations. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR